Histories of two hundred and fifty-one divisions of the German army which participated in the war (1914-1918)United States. War Department. General Staff
History
Histories of two hundred and fifty-one divisions of the German army which participated in the war (1914-1918)
United States. War Department. General Staff
Germany. Heer -- History -- World War, 1914-1918; World War, 1914-1918 -- Germany
6. It was at first in the reserve of the army, but went into line
September 27 east of Zonnebeke. After one of its regiments had attacked
and was stopped by the British artillery fire (Oct. 22), the division
obtained replacements and on October 4 renewed its attempt to retake the
heights lost on September 26. Warned by a British attack, they became
demoralized and fled in disorder toward Becelaere. The losses of the 4th
Guard Division were so heavy that it had to be relieved on October 5 to
7.
7. Entrained for Guise and arrived there October 10. Went into line on
the 14th in the sector of Itancourt, southeast of St. Quentin, and was
still holding it in December. Its forces were much reduced by the
attacks in Flanders and were reinforced by neighboring units (13th
Landwehr Division).
VALUE—1917 ESTIMATE.
Formerly an excellent combat unit, having that traditional esprit de
corps which animated the regiments of the Prussian Guards. At the
present time (November, 1917) it has lost a good part of its fighting
value. It seems to have been much weakened by the battle of Ypres
(October, 1917).
1918.
GUISE.
1. The division rested during January near d’Origny Ste. Benoite (west
of Guise).
SOMME.
2. On February 4 the division came into line northwest of Bellenglise.
It was relieved about the middle of February.
3. Upon relief, it marched via Bohain to St. Souplet, near Le Cateau.
Here the division underwent a course of training in this area until
March 18, when it marched via Bohain-Brancourt-Montbrehain-Ramicourt
back to its old sector at Bellenglise, arriving in line March 20.
BATTLE OF PICARDY.
4. The division attacked in the first line and advanced by Hesbecourt
March 21–26. Passing into support for eight days it was reengaged April
3–8 near Bouzencourt and le Hamel, suffering very heavy losses. Between
the 8th and the 24th the division rested. It was in line again near
Marcelcave from the 22d to the end of April, participating in the attack
at Villers-Bretoneaux on the 24th. Heavy losses were again sustained.
5. Again the division went to rest at St. Souplet, near le Cateau. The
2d Battalion of the 427th Regiment, dissolved, arrived as a
reinforcement for the division on May 27. The division was moved by rail
to Flavy le Martel on night of June 1. It marched by nights to Canny sur
Matz (by Golancourt, Guiscard, and Candor) and entered the line on the
night of June 8–9.
BATTLE OF THE OISE.
6. The division attacked on the 9th between Roye sur Matz and Canny sur
Matz. It penetrated by Marquelise to Antheuil. The French counterattack
threw it back north of Antheuil on the 11th. The division stayed in line
until the 19th.
LORRAINE.
7. After resting at Bohain until June 29 the division was moved to
Lorraine by Valenciennes-Brussels-Namur-Saarburg. Here it was rested and
reconstituted.
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